Maintaining a lacrosse pocket is essential for maximizing performance and extending the life of your stick. A well-maintained pocket ensures optimal ball control, accuracy, and overall performance. Here’s a detailed guide on how to care for and maintain your lacrosse pocket:

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1. Understand the Anatomy of the Pocket

Before maintaining the pocket, it’s important to understand its components:

• Mesh: The part of the pocket that holds the ball. It can be traditional (leather) or synthetic (most commonly used).

• Sidewall Strings: These run along the edges of the head and control the shape and depth of the pocket.

• Shooting Strings: These strings at the top of the pocket affect the ball’s release and trajectory.

• Top String: This attaches the mesh to the top of the head and can affect pocket depth and ball hold.

• Bottom String: Secures the mesh at the bottom of the pocket, often affecting the pocket’s depth and how the ball sits in the pocket.

 

2. Regular Inspection

Regularly check your pocket after each use to ensure it’s still functioning properly. Signs that you need to maintain your pocket include:

• Mesh Sagging: The pocket may lose shape and become deeper, affecting your control over the ball.

• Loose or Frayed Strings: Over time, the sidewall or shooting strings may loosen or wear out.

• Uneven Shape: If the pocket is becoming misshapen, it will affect how the ball is held and released.

 

3. Cleaning and Drying the Pocket

Proper cleaning and drying techniques will extend the lifespan of your mesh and strings.

• Clean the Mesh:

• Rinse the mesh gently with cold water to remove dirt and debris. For deep cleaning, you can use a soft brush (like an old toothbrush) to scrub off stubborn grime.

• Avoid using soap, bleach, or harsh chemicals, as they can weaken the fibers of the mesh or strings. Some lacrosse-specific cleaners are available that are safe for mesh.

• Dry the Pocket:

• After cleaning, squeeze out excess water (don’t wring the mesh) and let it air dry naturally.

• Avoid using direct heat (like a dryer or direct sunlight) to dry the pocket, as it can warp or shrink the mesh.

• Wet Pocket Care:

• If your pocket gets wet from rain, sweat, or water, always dry it promptly. You can stuff the pocket with a ball or a cloth to help retain its shape while it dries.

 

4. Shape and Adjust the Pocket

Over time, the shape of your pocket may shift due to use. To maintain the ideal shape:

• Use a Ball to Shape the Pocket: After each game or practice, you can place a ball inside the pocket when storing the stick. This helps retain the pocket’s depth and prevents it from losing its form.

• Some players use pocket stretchers (devices designed to hold the pocket in place) to maintain the shape.

• Adjust the Sidewall Strings: Sidewall strings are the key to controlling the depth and shape of the pocket. If your pocket is too deep or shallow, adjust the sidewall strings to fix it.

• Tightening Sidewalls: If your pocket has become too deep or saggy, tightening the sidewall strings can make the pocket shallower and more responsive.

• Loosening Sidewalls: If your pocket is too shallow or tight, loosening the sidewall strings will create more depth.

• Check the Bottom String: The bottom string affects how the ball sits in the pocket. If the pocket is too shallow, the bottom string may be too tight. If it’s too deep, it may be too loose. Adjust the bottom string to your preference.

 

5. Tuning the Shooting Strings

The shooting strings are vital for ball release and trajectory. Over time, these can loosen, causing inconsistent shooting. Here’s how to maintain them:

• Adjust Tension: If you feel your shots are inconsistent, adjust the tension of the shooting strings. Tightening them will generally make the ball come out faster but with less hold, while loosening them gives the ball more hold but may affect the release.

• Replace Shooting Strings: If your shooting strings start to fray or break, replace them. Regularly check their condition to ensure optimal performance.

• Shooting String Setup: Depending on your style of play, you may need to tweak the number and pattern of shooting strings. A common setup is a traditional three-string arrangement, but some players prefer a 4-string or more complex design.

 

6. Stretching the Mesh

Especially when your mesh is new, it may require some break-in time to achieve the right pocket depth and feel. To help stretch the mesh:

• Stretch the Mesh Manually: Gently pull on the mesh by hand to loosen the fibers and increase pocket depth. Don’t force it, as you could damage the mesh or strings.

• Use a Ball for Stretching: Place a ball in the pocket and either tie it up overnight or keep it in for an extended period. This will stretch out the mesh and create a deeper pocket.

• Water Method: Some players lightly wet the mesh and then stretch it with their hands. Once the mesh is wet, it will become more pliable, and you can stretch it into your desired shape. Be careful not to soak the mesh entirely.

 

7. String Replacement

Over time, the strings in your pocket will wear out due to constant exposure to UV light, dirt, and wear from gameplay. Keeping extra stringing materials on hand is a good idea.

• Replacing Frayed Strings: If any sidewall strings or shooting strings begin to fray or break, replace them before they cause further damage.

• Re-stringing the Pocket: If the mesh has worn out, or if you want to change the pocket’s design, re-stringing is necessary. You can either do this yourself or take it to a professional stringer.

 

8. Preventing Pocket Collapse

• Keep the Pocket Tight: If your pocket starts to lose its depth or become floppy, it may be caused by loose strings. Check that all strings are properly knotted and tight.

• Maintain Pocket Consistency: If you use a lot of waxed mesh, you may find that it requires less maintenance than traditional uncoated mesh, as it resists sagging and fraying. However, all pockets should still be periodically checked for signs of damage.

 

9. Protect the Pocket During Storage

When you’re not using your stick, store it properly to avoid damaging the pocket.

• Store Upright: When you’re not using the stick, store it standing up, with the head supported to prevent it from getting bent or warped.

• Avoid Extreme Heat/Cold: Do not leave your stick in areas with extreme temperatures (like a car in direct sunlight or near a heat source). Excessive heat can shrink the mesh, while cold temperatures can make it brittle.

 

10. Restringing and Pocket Customization

As your pocket breaks in and you continue to play, you might want to change its setup to suit your playing style. Regular re-stringing or customizing your pocket to a new style or mesh can help ensure it stays at peak performance.

• Choose the Right Mesh: There are different types of mesh available (traditional, semi-soft, hard, or waxed). Each type offers different feel and performance. Waxed mesh, for example, tends to last longer and resist the elements better.

• Customize Your Pocket: Depending on your position and preference, you may want a deeper or shallower pocket, a tighter or looser top string, and different shooting string setups.

 

By following these tips and staying proactive with regular maintenance, your lacrosse pocket will stay in top shape, giving you the best performance on the field.

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